State Adds Partners For Disaster Response

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Governor Schwarzenegger signed agreements in San Diego today that officials say will improve the state's response to emergencies and natural disasters. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

The Governor signed agreements that make the private sector key partners of California's emergency response system.

Schwarzenegger:
We will be even better prepared and better shape than we were in the past.

The agreements form partnerships with Wal-Mart Stores, the California Grocer's Association and two other organizations.

San Diego Fire Chief Tracy Jarman says the agreements mean food, water and other resources get to where they're needed more quickly.
Jarman:
And it certainly takes partnerships, all of us working together to be better prepared to respond to firestorms or any event we may face.

The agreements allow for more targeted and efficient delivery of goods and services by allowing the partners to work side-by-side with state emergency staff.

The Governor also signed a bill that merges the Office of Emergency Services and the state Office of Homeland Security into one agency called Cal EMA.